Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
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Professor
Honors Project Course Information
SLPA:496—Senior Honors Project: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (1–3 credits; may be repeated for a total of six credits)
Prerequisites: enrollment in the Honors Program, senior standing and major in speech-language pathology and audiology.
Description
The Honors Research Project is an integral part of the UA Honors experience, and every Honors College student must complete an acceptable Honors Research Project. Interdisciplinary, creative projects are encouraged, and your project could be any one of the following types:
- Research Thesis – original scholarship investigating a significant question
- Research Report – a formal written presentation of technical, laboratory, or investigative research
- Artistic or Creative Performance or Production – in the fine arts, applied arts, or performing arts; a written report, introduction, or commentary is required
Students should begin planning for the Honors Research Project during the junior year. Serious work on the project should begin at least a year and a half prior to your graduation date. Please see the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology time table and dates for completing the project. Be sure to keep your readers informed of progress on your project throughout the semester. Send them copies of your work at regular intervals. Expect revisions based on your readers' comments. Once you've incorporated changes from your readers, your sponsor needs to approve the final copy. It is your sponsor who gives you the grade for the formal coursework. You will earn an “IP” for your project until the final copy is completed.
Beginning your project
- Meet with the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Honors Faculty Advisor (see above) to discuss topics and project sponsors.
- Select a faculty sponsor, under whose direction you can plan, complete, and report on the project. Discuss your ideas about a research project with faculty you would like as a sponsor.
- With your sponsor's approval, plan the project and complete the Proposal Form. That form requires signatures from an evaluation committee that includes the sponsor and at least two other readers. The evaluation committee may include extramural readers.
- Complete and submit the Honors Research Project Proposal. Additional information is here.
Submitting your Honors Research Project
Please follow the Honors College guidelines to submit your final project.
Project Timeline
The following schedule is for students graduating in the Spring semester, and other graduation semesters should adjust accordingly. Please note that the following is only a suggested timeline. Your project sponsor reserves the right to adjust these dates.
| Semester | Activity |
| Junior Year, Fall Semester (October 31) |
Meet with the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Honors Faculty Advisor to discuss topics and project sponsors. |
| Junior Year, Fall Semester/Christmas Break (January 15) |
Research your area of interest and determine three topics for your project. |
| Junior Year, Spring Semester (February 15) |
Meet with your faculty sponsor. Narrow your focus. Determine your project topic. |
| Junior Year, Spring Semester (March 1) |
Determine and secure Readers 1 & 2 for participation in the project. |
| Junior Year, Spring Semester (March 15) |
Submit draft of your proposal to your sponsor. |
| Junior Year, Spring Semester (May 1) |
Revise and complete proposal with sponsor approval. Submit proposal to the Honors College. |
| Junior Year, Summer Break – Senior Year, Fall Semester | Complete and write the project. Meet with sponsor as needed. Please send monthly updates to your sponsor regarding your progress on the project. |
| Senior Year, Spring Semester (January 15) |
Submit initial draft to your research sponsor. |
| Senior Year, Spring Semester (February 15) |
Submit revised draft to your sponsor and two readers for final revisions and editing. |
| Senior Year, Spring Semester (March 15) |
Submit final project with all revisions and corrections to sponsor and readers. |
| Senior Year, Spring Semester (April 1) |
Obtain signatures of project sponsor and both readers. Obtain signature of School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology School Director. Obtain signature of Honors Faculty Advisor. |
| Senior Year, Spring Semester (April 10) |
Submit final project to the Honors College. |
General Guidelines
- You must receive a grade of "B" or higher on your Honors Research Project to graduate as an Honors Scholar. If you do not achieve this grade you may still meet the requirements to graduate as an undergraduate student in your major. Please contact your Honors Advisor for more information.
- When there are multiple students involved in an Honors Research Project, each student should be included as authors on the final report, even if they are not part of the Williams Honors College. Every student should receive the proper recognition for thier contributions.
- Every committee must be composed of a Sponsor and two Readers. More information on these roles is available here.
- Students expecting to work on an honors project involving the use of human subjects should be aware that such projects may need to be evaluated by the University of Akron Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB reviews all proposals for research involving human participants to insure appropriate ethical and safety standards are observed. Depending on the nature of the proposed research, IRB review and approval may be required prior to moving forward with your study. In the same way, any research involving live animals will require review by the University of Akron Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC). Please communicate with your project sponsor regarding the need for IRB or ACUC consideration as it relates to your specific project. Information concerning research applications and review procedures can be obtained via the University of Akron Office of Research Administration (ORA).